Rail Tours in Japan

Rail Holidays under the Rising Sun

Guests of Great Rail Journeys on an exhilarating rail tour of
Japan are fortunate in that they can experience all of these
wonders with ease and in comfort thanks to perhaps the most modern,
comfortable and efficient rail system in the world. Prepare to be
amazed by the blistering speed of the Bullet Train,
inspired by the natural beauty of Japan's rural areas and National
Parks, and wowed by a culture quite unlike any other. A rail
holiday in Japan really is the adventure of a lifetime.

There are 4 tours matching Japan

Discovering Japan

Ancient ceremonies meet 21st century technology in this
astonishing country of contrasts. This fascinating tour goes a long
way to interpret the mystery of Japan as we cross the country on
high-speed bullet trains. Join us for 13 days as we explore the
'Land of the Rising Sun' by rail.

Grand Tour of Japan

Absorb ancient history and timeless tradition as we travel
through the 'Land of the Rising Sun' by futuristic bullet train.
Sample Japanese whiskey, soak up the spectacular sight of Mount
Fuji, experience an authentic tea ceremony and explore the bustling
cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima on an all-encompassing route through
Japan's highlights.

Exploring Japan with Great Rail Journeys

Japan is a genuinely fascinating and beautiful country that is
exciting to tour by train. An escorted rail holiday with Great Rail
Journeys combines the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan's
history, culture and natural beauty with excellent value for
money.

The cost of your Japan train holiday includes flights, all rail,
coach and ferry travel, a generous selection of meals, overnight
accommodation of a high standard and a programme of guided tours,
excursions and visits to some of Japan's most compelling
destinations.

You'll stay in accommodation that we've especially chosen for
its quality, value and the convenience of its location. In many
cases this may be a family-run hotel which offers our guests a
superior level of personal service and comfortable, informal
surroundings in which to relax.

Throughout your rail tour of Japan you'll be escorted by a
professional and knowledgeable Tour Manager whose role is to
provide assistance, answer questions and give information about
each destination you'll visit in order to ensure you have as
relaxing and rewarding a time in Japan as possible.

Japan by Rail - Traveller's Notes

Touring Japan by rail is a peculiar experience for the European
rail traveller. The Japanese claim that their rail service is the
most dependable in the world with an average delay lasting only 30
seconds. In Europe this would count as a punctual arrival.

One of the most common misunderstandings that occurs when
touring Japan by rail is when and whom it is appropriate to tip.
American tourists are particularly vulnerable to this as unlike in
America it is rude to tip in Japan.

Japan Traveller's Guide

An island in East Asia, Japan is located at a point where the
East China Sea, Philippine Sea and Sea of Japan meet. The latter
separates Japan from its nearest neighbours, South and North Korea
and Russia to the west. Far to the east of Japan across the North
Atlantic Ocean the next major land mass is the USA.

Japan's History

Whilst modern Japan's history can be traced back as far as
500BC, much of the culture and tradition that exists today
originated with settlers from Asia who arrived via Korea, China and
Russia in the third century, forming clans throughout the island.
The leader of the influential Yamato clan became Japan's first
emperor in the fourth century. In subsequent centuries the heads of
various clans claimed the role of emperor, each changing Japan's
capital city in the process. By the eighth century, culture and
civilization had developed to the extent that Japan enjoyed an
exceptionally high standard of living. In the following century a
new emperor nominated Kyoto as Japan's capital city; a position it
would hold for the next thousand years. Between the ninth and
thirteenth centuries, Japan's aesthetically-focused Heian culture
was established, embracing and emphasising beauty in all aspects of
Japanese life. Japan's feudal era began in the twelfth century when
a ruling class of warlords, the shogun, seized power, provoking
fierce and ongoing conflict between rival clans. This era
culminated in the enforcement of an 'isolationist' policy in the
seventeenth century, effectively ending Japan's interaction with
the outside world. An American treaty in 1854 overturned this
policy and re-established the role of emperor as Japanese ruler.
Following the Second World War, during which Japan mounted an
aggressive campaign against China until American intervention
forced Japan's unconditional surrender, the country's current
democratic constitutional monarchy was established.

Climate

Japan's climate is generally mild and temperate with four
seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter - which more or less
equate with Europe's. Spring is warm and largely dry whilst summer
can be hot and humid following a four-week period of rain which
usually begins in June. Autumn is breezy and cool, whilst winter is
mild and dry with temperatures rarely falling below zero, although
Japan's central and northern regions may experience snow.

Japanese Cuisine

Most people tend to equate Japanese cuisine with raw fish dishes
such as sashimi or sushi but in reality Japan's culinary culture is
far more extensive. Noodles play an important role in many dishes
with soba, made from buckwheat flour, and udon the most popular
varieties. Tempura cooking involves the coating of meat, seafood,
vegetables or fish in an extremely light batter and deep-frying
them. Japanese specialities include Sukiyaki, a dish of
thinly-sliced beef with tofu, vegetables and vermicelli noodles
traditionally prepared and cooked at the table; Yakitori; small
pieces of meat or fish on a bamboo skewer barbecued over coals, and
Tonkatsu, a cutlet of pork rolled in breadcrumbs and
deep-fried.

Rail Travel in Japan

Touring Japan by rail can be a peculiar experience for the
European rail traveller. The Japanese claim that their rail service
is the most dependable in the world with an average delay lasting
only 30 seconds. In Europe this would count as a punctual
arrival!

What our customers think

UNBELIEVABLE!

This is certainly a holiday to tick all the boxes, from the start
at Heathrow right through to goodbyes at the luggage carousel.

Grant, our Tour Manager, was as one expects from a retired
diplomat: thoroughly professional, efficient and courteous. On
arrival at Narita airport in Tokyo, we met up with Akiko, the local
tour guide, and what a gem she turned out to be. Again
professional, efficient and courteous, but also with a wonderful
sense of humour and empathy with the group.

If you are considering this trip, DO IT. Japan is a fascinating
mix of tradition and high-end technology. The people are polite,
kind, helpful, considerate and just nice. The towns and cities are
clean, with no litter or graffiti, and are totally safe and
non-threatening. The tour is organised well and, if you
are as lucky as we were with Grant and Akiko, you will have an
informed, educational and exciting trip.

Japan is famous for many things. Some of which are man made - the incredible megacities, filled with life and skyscrapers, the incredibly efficient bullet trains, and a hotel that has been in the same family for over 1,300 years.

If you have mobility issues, travel can be a frustrating experience – yet, it shouldn’t have to be. Travel is for everyone, and in this modernising world, thankfully spaces are opening up to wheelchair users all around the world. We’ve compiled a list of the best destinations for disabled access, for some inspiration for your next hassle-free holiday.

How many of us have wanted to walk straight into the pages of our favourite books? While it might not be possible quite yet to experience the lives of the fictional heroes and heroines we’ve walked side by side through life with for a little while, and sometimes who’d want to (think of just about any character from a Stephen King novel).